The conference is only two weeks away! I’m excited about returning this year and meeting new friends who have a heart for the Lord.
I noticed a lot of comments on the conference blog about tips and advice, and a couple of people have contacted me asking questions, so I thought I’d share some thoughts about last year’s conference.
I was nervous last year because I was rooming by myself, and I only knew one other person attending. I thought it was going to be an ultra-professional, ultra-competitive environment. It was the complete opposite! The conference (and the atmosphere) was encouraging, uplifting, worshipful, and inspirational.
It was a group of women (mostly young moms) just like me! A group of women who love God and want to use their gifts and talents for God. A group of women with dreams and goals, searching for direction from God.
Lysa TerKeurst made it clear during one of the general sessions that it’s not about competition. It’s about encouraging each other. If you go with the attitude that it’s all about you and your agenda, you’ll miss the whole point.
Cheri Keaggy was the worship leader last year, and she did a fantastic job of leading us to the heart of God during all the general sessions. I felt the Proverbs 31 team organized the conference in such a way that all the women attending could hear from God.
So ladies, relax! Go with the attitude that you will be surrounded by loving women who are very similar to you. Be ready to meet new friends and make connections that can only be explained by the hand of God. Consider it a privilege if someone shares her heart and dream with you! Go with an open spirit to hear a special word from God just for you.
Practical tips:
Some of the rooms are very cold. Bring a sweater. I wore dress pants each day.
Last year, Proverbs 31 gave everyone a notebook. It contained notes with outlines or fill-in-the-blanks for all the sessions/classes. This was extremely helpful. I assume they will be doing this again this year. I brought a journal to take notes, but I didn’t need it. I also carried a small Bible in my purse.
Bring some business cards. I got mine from www.vistaprint.com
Take some time to get alone with God. Last year, there was a prayer/meditation room set up. I went in the room, and it was awesome! In addition to a quiet peaceful place to pray, there were tables with the names of God and a verse printed on papers. Under each name of God, the Proverbs 31 team placed the names of every person attending the conference. It was incredible to find my name and read about the character quality of God that was selected especially for me.
The most awesome thing about going to She Speaks was knowing that the team prayed for me by name, and I felt covered in prayer. I knew it was not an accident that I was there. It was a divine appointment.
I hope to meet some people online before the conference. Leave a comment with your website. I’d love to check out your blog, or send me an email if you don’t have a blog.
I hope and pray you have a wonderful, blessed time! I would love to go with you some year!
Beverly, that would be wonderfull! I’d love it if you went with me
LOVE reading everything Proverbs 31 ♥ love the site
Have a blast and a Blessed time in our Lord
Thanks, Susan!
Lisa,
Thanks for your post, your sharing definately helps get rid of a few of the jitters. Maybe our paths will cross at the conference.
ps. I love your site and information you present. How lucky for you to have a Whole Foods in your area. The closest Whole Foods to us is 3 1/2 hours away. My hubby and I went on a little get away over the 4th of July and the city we visited had a Whole Foods–we were only in the city a day, but we visited Whole Foods three times
Thanks again for reaching out to help us “newbies!”
Blessings!
Kim, Thanks for stopping by. I totally understand your obsession with Whole Foods! Maybe there is one in Charlotte, and you can get a fix while you are there!
Hope to meet you in a couple weeks!
I hope to meet you there! This is my first time and I’m super excited!! Love, love the encouraging words. I just can’t hardly wait!
Thanks so much for posting this information!
I am a first-timer this year. While I want to go in with no expectations, it sure is nice to glean from your very practical and encouraging advice!
I hope to get to meet you at She Speaks in . . . 11 Days!!!!!!
I’m so excited!!!!!
Please feel free to write and/or visit my blog! I’d love to get to know you!
Thank you for the encouragement, Lisa.
I am excitedly preparing for the conference. I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed!
If I don’t have the chance to meet you there and connect in person, I hope you have a wonderful time.
Lisa,
Thanks for filling the rest of us in on what to expect at She Speaks. This is my first time going, and your sharing of your experience last year has helped to put some of my pre-conference jitters at ease.
Thanks a bunch.
the conference sounds so wonderful! I pray that all the women attending have a fabulous time in the Lord.
God is going to bless you abundantly.
I was reading in Psalms today and this verse jumped off the page:
“I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.” Ps.57:2 God’s purpose for you will bring Him glory!
Good tips–especially bringing business cards as that is not something that most would think about until they needed it.
Thanks, Lisa! The practical advice is so helpful for this first-timer. I am going alone (well, the Lord is going with me) and expecting to meet many new friends. Hope our paths can cross!
I hope to meet you there! I’m a first timer this year and very excited!